BHOJPUR: Farmers in Bhojpur have been forced to harvest their oranges earlier than usual this year due to increasing damage caused by monkeys.
Traditionally, oranges are harvested in the months of November and December, but this year the harvest has been moved up to October to minimize losses.
Locals report that large groups of monkeys have been raiding fruit orchards, eating not only oranges but also mangoes, avocados, and other crops. They also damage plants by breaking branches and causing general destruction.
“It has become very difficult to maintain farming,” said Bhim Prasad Phuyal, a farmer from Bhojpur Municipality-5, Bokhim. “Monkeys harass the gardens from morning till evening. Even if we throw stones to scare them away, they cannot be controlled. If they get into the garden for even a short time, they destroy the crops. There is no way to protect fruits and grains once they are on the plants.”
Orange farming is one of the main sources of income in the district. However, farmers have reported declining production and income in recent years, attributing the drop largely to the monkey problem. Local farmer Gita Karki noted that the forced early harvest has also affected fruit quality and market prices.
Farmers are urging local authorities and concerned agencies to take immediate action to control the monkey population and protect their livelihoods.
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